Editorial: Access and egress in Sooke

Tim Hortons in Sooke? A proposal was looked at by the Land Use Committee for a drive-through Timmy’s along Sooke Road. The property in question is owned by Councillor Herb Haldane and is very close to Sooke elementary school. What needs to be addressed is the access on and off Sooke Road. Even at the best of times we have a nightmare scenario playing out every single day along Sooke Road. It is almost impossible to turn left and the traffic just keeps on getting heavier. It’s frustrating and dangerous. Folks might remember the 2008 fatal accident likely caused by driver impatience trying to turn left onto Sooke Road. Tim Hortons should be looking at other properties where access would be better and safer. The old Sooke River Hotel site could house such a drive-through with less impact in the town core. Give people a Timmy’s if they want it, but make it safe to get to and from.

The Christmas break must have been what the doctor ordered for members of council. It is never easy having to balance public service with a family life, and the business of running a municipality is tiring and at times probably exhausting. The council meetings, since the break, have been shorter and the business of the district is getting done quite efficiently.

The district will welcome the new CAO, Gord Howie, in February and a new Deputy Director of Finance, Gerald Fukakusa, is already in place. Filling these key positions will hopefully speed things along and help avoid some of the pitfalls of the recent past.

What is interesting is seeing how many folks are starting to take interest in council and feeling out their support for running the next time.